Cold weather affects your heart in different ways. Your circulatory system undergoes physical changes in response to the cold. Also, you may be less active in the winter and opt to stay inside to relax and keep warm. So, you may exercise your body and heart less than you should, or none.

Here is what may happen to your heart during the cold months:

Narrowed Blood Vessels

Typically, when you exercise or are physically active, your blood vessels open up to give your body the extra oxygen it needs for your work. But with cold weather, your blood vessels shrink, making it harder for blood to get to your heart.

This situation is especially a concern if you already have plaque buildup in your blood vessels. If the cold shrinks vessels already partially blocked by plaque buildup, blood is more likely to be unable to reach the heart and rest of the body, which can lead to a heart attack.

Research suggests that moving from the heat inside to the cold outside can make plaque buildup more significant and less stable, resulting in an even greater risk of heart attacks.

Raised Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the amount of pressure inside your arteries. Because cold weather constricts blood vessels, so your heart must work harder to deliver blood where it needs to. This situation means that cold weather can contribute to increased blood pressure.

If your blood pressure is usually normal, a temporary rise in blood pressure probably is not a big deal. But if you always have high blood pressure, it can lead to sudden blockage of your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Raised Pulse Rate

Have you noticed that your heart beats faster when it is cold? Cold weather may affect your heart rate because when the temperature drops, your heart must work harder to keep your body warm, which causes your heart rate to increase.

While a fast heart rate is not a warning of a heart attack or heart disease, it can indicate that your heart is working too hard and needs a break.

Cold Weather Lifestyles That Increase the Risk of Heart Disease

It is no surprise that most individuals would rather curl up under a blanket on the couch than take a long winter walk when it is minus five degrees. But we are also more likely to eat greasy comfort food and drink more alcohol, holiday drinks, and cocktails. And if moderation disappears, these choices are unsuitable for a heart-healthy diet.

These behaviors may lead to unhealthy weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure changes and increase the risk of heart disease and heart attacks.

Risky Cold Weather and Winter Activities

Since the cardiovascular system does not work as well in cold temperatures, does that mean you should only exercise indoors during winter? The answer is no. It simply means you should pay attention to your body when you are skiing, sledding, skating, snowshoeing, or doing other activities that put extra strain on your heart.

This extra strain is especially true when shoveling snow, an activity related to many cold-weather heart attacks.

Can Shoveling Snow Increase the Risk of Heart Attack?

Why is shoveling snow dangerous for the heart? Because it is an exercise for which ordinary people should get trained. But, in most cases, people who throw snow shovels are not on their way to an athletic tournament.

Instead, shoveling snow is the responsibility of regular individuals who are not used to lifting and throwing hundreds of pounds. This situation alone makes scooping a big challenge for most heartthrobs. But because of the cold weather, the reduced blood flow makes it even harder for the heart to pump blood throughout the body.

Additionally, your risk of heart attack increases if your heart can’t get enough oxygen and nutrient-rich blood. Because of that, you will want to be careful when shoveling snow, especially if you have heart disease or any significant risk factors for heart attacks, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.

These risk factors are more common than you think. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention remarked that about half of Americans have one or more major heart attack risk factors.

Ways of Reducing the Risk of Heart Attack in Cold Weather

Of course, we know your sidewalk will not shovel itself, and you want to make the most of your winter season, right? Here are some hints on how to stay healthy and active during cold weather to prevent heart attacks:

Dress in Layers

If you go outdoors, dress according to the weather and the activity you are doing. Wearing clothes in layers allows you to remove layers as your activity level increases. You want to stay warm but do not want to overheat. If you feel like you are sweating, it is wise to start by taking off a layer and then taking a break to cool down.

Modify Your Routine

Invest in a snow blower machine, particularly if you have a long driveway. But if you need to shovel, get out before the snow accumulates. Then do it slowly, in short sessions.

Give Yourself a Break

If possible, hire a neighborhood kid or someone who may need to earn some extra money. Offloading responsibility is an excellent idea if you have heart disease, have already had a heart attack, or are not especially active year-round.

Take Water Breaks

Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks when exercising. Dehydration makes it more challenging for your body to stay warm, making it easier for your blood to clot.

Ease Into Outdoor Physical Activity

Even if you are fit, start exercising slowly when in cold weather so your body can adapt to working out in the cold. Try some light exercise once you are outside, such as stretching or running in place. If you don’t want to bundle up for an outdoor walk, walk around the mall or join a gym.

Be Particularly Careful if You Have a Known Heart Condition

The truth is cold winter weather and heart conditions are not a good combination. Take it easy if you have a heart condition or have already had a heart attack. Working with a physician can help you gain confidence in exercising for heart health and help you prepare for cold weather.

Limit Caffeine and Alcohol Intake

These beverages increase blood pressure, so you should pay attention to how much you drink before heading outdoors.

Quit Smoking or Vaping

Tobacco products may increase blood pressure and cause plaque buildup. Quitting smoking is one of the best moves you can make for your heart.

Eat a Heart-healthy Diet

Continue to watch what you eat and drink, focusing on foods for good cholesterol levels and foods to lower blood pressure.

Keep Up With Routine Preventive Care

From flu shots to annual check-ups, keeping up with preventive care helps you stay healthier and can help you catch potential problems earlier, being easier to treat.